ORDER IN THE CHURCH
[Proper Church Etiquette and Protocol]By Alton A. SmithAuthorHouse
Copyright © 2011 Bishop Alton A. Smith
All right reserved.ISBN: 978-1-4567-6936-9Contents
Dedication..........................................................................viiAcknowledgements....................................................................ixForeword Rev. J. O. Williams........................................................xiIntroduction Bishop Alton A Smith..................................................xvDefinitions.........................................................................xviiChapter 1 The Worship Service.......................................................1Chapter 2 Church Organization and Structure.........................................5Chapter 3 Care and Respect for the Church Facility and Property.....................11Chapter 4 Church Etiquette..........................................................15Chapter 5 Pulpit Etiquette..........................................................19Chapter 6 Clergy Attire and Ministerial Vestment....................................23Chapter 7 The Bishopric.............................................................29Chapter 8 Funeral Etiquette for the Bishop and the Elder............................37Chapter 9 Guide to Leadership in the Church.........................................41Chapter 10 Five Steps to Heaven.....................................................47Bibliography........................................................................51
Chapter One
THE WORSHIP SERVICE
This information that follows is the basic order of worship. It is not meant to be exclusive nor inclusive. The author realizes that each church has its own order of worship with both additions and/or deletions of this basic order. The basic order of Worship is a guide ...
The Basic Order of Worship
Musical Prelude Call to Worship Processional Doxology Invocation Response Aim and Plea of the Church/Church Affirmation Morning Hymn Scripture Prayer Chant Hymn of Praise/Mission Announcements Offering Offertory Prayer Inspirational Selection Sermon Invitation to Discipleship Invitational Hymn Benediction
The Worship Service
WHAT IS WORSHIP?
Worship is an expression of reverence, praise and thanksgiving for God.
THE WORSHIP SERVICE INCLUDES FOUR COMPONENTS:
The Act of Reverence (Psalms 100:3)
Musical Prelude Call to Worship Processional Doxology Invocation Response Aim and Plea of the Church/Affirmation of Faith
The Act of Fellowship (Hebrews 10:25)
The Morning Hymn Scripture Prayer Order in the Church Chant Announcements
The Act of Dedication/Reconciliation (Malachi 3:10, Matthew 7:11)
Offering Offertory Prayer
The Act of Renewal (Psalms 119:11, 33-45, 105)
Inspirational Selection Sermon Invitation to Discipleship Altar Prayer Benediction
Chapter Two
CHURCH ORGANIZATION AND STRUCTURE CHURCH ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The HEAD of the Church Jesus Christ – Son of God ASTOR DEACONS MOTHERS TRUSTEES DEPARTMENT OR MINISTRY LEADERS MEMBERS
Organization and Structure of the Church
1. JESUS CHRIST - THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH
* Alpha & Omega (the First & the Last) Revelations 1:8 * Atoning Sacrifice for our Sins I John 2:2 * Bishop of our souls 1 Peter. 2:25 * Chief Shepherd 1 Peter 5:4 * Deliverer Rom. 11:26 * Eternal Life 1 John 1:2; 5:20 * Hope of Glory Colossians 1:27 * King of Kings Revelations 19:16 * Lamb of God John 1:29 * Lord of Lords Revelations 19:16 * Our Great God and Savior Titus 2:13 * Son of the Most High God Luke 1:32 * The Only-begotten Son of God John 3:6 * The Resurrection and the Life John 11: 25 * The Way John 14:6
2. PASTOR - THE UNDER SHEPHERD
* An ordained member of the clergy.
* Ordained leader of the church
* Congregational Leader
* Duties of the Pastor include:
Live Holy and Above Reproach – I Timothy 3:2 - A bishop (elder) then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality ..."
Preach the Word of God – II Timothy 4:2 - Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
Teach the Word of God – I Timothy 3:2 - A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach
Oversight of the church – Acts 20:28 – Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Shepherd the Congregation – I Peter 5:7 - Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind.
Pray For and Minister to God's People – Acts 6:4 - But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. Minister to the Sick, Widows and Elderly – James 5:14 - Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
Provide Spiritual Care and Discipline for the People of God – I Peter 5:2 - Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3. DEACONS – I Timothy 3:8-13
"Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus."
* Duties of the Deacon include:
To assist the Pastor in Spiritual Leadership of the church
To support the Ministry of the Word of God
To assist in carrying out the Ordinances of the Church
To care for the physical and spiritual well-being of the congregants.
4. MOTHERS – Titus 2:3-5
"The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things, that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed".
* Duties of the Mother of the Church:
Mothers must be Godly women
Must be willing to serve and to support the Ministry oft he Church.
Must be a role model for the younger women of the church and community.
Must be responsible for preparing and maintaining the Communion elements.
5. TRUSTEES – (No Biblical Reference for church trustees) Church Trustees should possess the following qualities:
* They should be born again.
* They should be in obedience of God's plan for supporting His church – Tithes and Freewill Offerings.
* They should be trustworthy.
* They should have a servant's heart.
* They should be diligent and faithful to the Kingdom of God.
* They should possess the qualities of patience, understanding, and self-control.
* Duties of the Church Trustee:
The trustees are the legal agents of the church.
Trustees are responsible for maintenance and supervision of the physical facility of the church.
Trustees should support the ministry of the total church.
6. DEPARTMENT OR MINISTRY LEADERS
Members of the church who have been elected or appointed to serve as officers of a church auxiliary or ministry. These officers include:
President or Chair
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer 7. MEMBERS – People that assemble themselves together for worship and for service in the house of God. Church membership may be attained by the following circumstances:
Attendance for church worship and activities of the church
Be baptized through immersion
Support the church with tithes and offerings.
Agree to abide by the teachings of the Holy Scriptures and commit to the Ordinances of the church.
Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ
Invite and bring others to Christ and His Church
Chapter Three
CARE AND RESPECT FOR THE CHURCH FACILITY AND PROPERTY CARE AND RESPECT FOR THE CHURCH FACILITY AND PROPERTY
The church is the temple of God and should be treated as such. Care and concern must be exhibited for honoring the house of God. We must be careful to treat the symbols of the church with respect, care and honor. This includes:
* The Bible – God's Holy Word. We must not write in the church Bibles, nor allow our children to use them as a toy or playful distraction. Pew Bibles are the property of the church and should not be taken home by parishioners.
* The Altar – The Altar is the most important Church furnishing. It is the focal point of Divine worship. The altar is a symbol of God's presence and the sacrifice of Christ. The altar reminds us of God's omnipotent presence. Personal items should never be placed on the altar.
* Hymnals – Hymnals are provided so that the congregation might join in with songs of the church. We must be careful to protect bindings and the spines of hymnals so that they might last and be of service during the worship services of the church. Hymnals are the property of the church and should not be taken home.
* Church Furniture – Care and respect of church furnishings is the same as the care and respect of the furnishings in our homes. Abstaining from eating and drinking in the church sanctuary will help to avoid staining the furniture.
* Baptismal Pool – Baptism is an ordinance of the church. The act of baptism is symbolic. It symbolizes an outward sign of an inward change. No one should enter the baptismal pool unless instructed by a church official (pastor, deacon or trustee).
* Communion Table and Elements – The communion table and the communion elements are used only for the communion service. This table and these elements should be set aside solely for use during this sacred ordinance of the church. Only those who have been ordained or consecrated by the church should perform the duties using these sacred items. Personal items should never be placed on the communion table.
* Pulpit – The pulpit is an elevated place or enclosed stage, in a church, in which the preacher or another member of the clergy stands while preaching. This pulpit area is reserved for clergy. Any other member of the congregation should use the lectern (speaker stand) designated to the left or the right of the pulpit.
It is our responsibility as children of God to honor Him in all that we do and to honor His House. It is our responsibility to keep the temple clean. Whether we are members of the church custodial staff, the administrative board, or a member of the laity, it is our responsibility to maintain the house of God in a clean and respectable condition.
The exterior of the church should be neat and orderly. A well maintained exterior is inviting to visitors and members as well and helps to determine whether someone will choose your church as their place of worship.
Chapter Four
CHURCH ETIQUETTE
"But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." I Timothy 3:15
1. Entering the Church Sanctuary
* Worshippers should arrive early in order to select a comfortable seat in the sanctuary.
* Worshippers should enter the church sanctuary quietly.
* Worshippers should not stop to speak or to greet another worshipper upon entering the sanctuary during service.
* Food, candy, gum or drinks should not be brought into the sanctuary at any time.
2. The Church Service
* All church services should begin at the appointed time. Late arrivers should be allowed to enter the service only during times that will not interfere with the Worship Service and should sit or be seated in the rear of the Sanctuary.
* The Order of Service is not rigid, but is provided to serve as a guide. All service participants should be present and in their proper places when the service begins and should follow the guide of the shepherd of the congregation. No program or worship service participant should take their place after the worship service has begun. If late, they should take a seat in the audience.
* Selecting a seat near the front of the sanctuary is a common courtesy. Rear seats should be left for those who arrive late, so not to disturb the worship service.
* Always remember that strangers are often guest of church members. Treat them with the courtesy that you desire when you are a visitor.
* Only a minister of the Gospel should enter the pulpit. Children should be taught that the pulpit is sacred and not an area for play, walking or entertainment.
* A lectern or speakers stand should be provided to the left or right of the pulpit. All worshippers, speakers, soloists or anyone who is not an ordained elder should use this stand.
* If worshippers must leave the sanctuary during the Worship Service, do not pass in front of the pulpit. Use side aisles so that you do not disturb the concentration of other worshippers.
ADDITIONAL ETIQUETTE REMINDERS ...
* Inviting Speakers or Preachers – No speaker should be invited or confirmed without prior approval of the pastor.
* Music – Music should be selected that is appropriate to the occasion. Instrumental music should not be so loud as to overpower the vocalists.
* Introduction of Speakers – Introduction of any guest speaker should be kept brief. Introductions and resumes should be acquired from guest speakers or guests in advance so as to familiarize yourself with the content.
* Recognitions – When giving recognitions, the speaker should be careful not to omit anyone. In recognizing officers, the highest ranking officer(s) should be recognized first, then proceed down the list in order of office held.
* Illness – In the event that someone should become ill during a service, a trained first aid representative, a nurse or an usher should be notified. All other persons should remain seated and quiet.
* Funerals – Funerals should be carefully planned centered around the deceased, if possible. The funeral program should be done by the family, the pastor and/or his/her appointee.
* Walking During the Worship Service – Walking during the service should be kept to a minimum. There are times during the service that no one should be walking, except for an emergency. These times include during the:
Scripture – Reading of God's Word
Prayer – Giving thanks and making petitions before God
Sermon – The Word of God demands our undivided attention.
Invitation to Discipleship – Walking may prove a distraction to someone who is making the critical choice between heaven or hell.
Benediction – Bestowing the blessings of God upon the people of God.
Excerpted from ORDER IN THE CHURCHby Alton A. Smith Copyright © 2011 by Bishop Alton A. Smith. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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